School transfer bill clears House committee

Backers say it's all about choice.

Backers say it's all about choice.

February 16, 2006|MARTIN DeAGOSTINO Tribune Staff Writer

INDIANAPOLIS -- A House panel has approved Senate legislation making it easier for students to choose their school or school district. Senate Bill 60 does not break new ground, as the state Board of Education already can authorize student transfers at parents' request. But the proposed legislation allows parents to apply directly to another school for transfer, with approval by the school principal and district superintendent, or by the district school board. Bill sponsor Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, said it reflects "a customer service approach to schooling" that is available in most states. Under Kenley's bill, transfers could occur if: A parent owned commercial or residential property in another school district; if interlocal transfer agreements exist between districts; or if district officials approve a direct transfer request from families. In all cases, state tuition support would follow the student to the new school district, but families would be responsible for transportation. The bill says transfers cannot be primarily for athletic purposes, although final determination of that would fall to the Indiana High School Athletic Association. Families would have to make transfer requests by April 1 of each year, with decisions issued by May 1 for the following school year. And every approved transfer would require review after the school year, for possible reapproval or denial. Based on the experience of other states, Kenley said relatively few families would seek transfers from their home schools. But he said families deserve options in public education, whether to access better educational offerings in other settings or simply "to try a change" if a student is underperforming. Four Wabash County mothers emphasized that point in testimony for the bill. Each said they live in the Metropolitan School District of Wabash County, but want their children to have access to stronger arts and academic courses available in Wabash City Schools. None of the women explained why they chose homes in the less desirable school district, but all said Kenley's bill would resolve their concerns. Lobbyists for school superintendents and school boards supported the legislation, while expressing some concerns about special-education transfers and transportation costs that would fall to low-income families. But other educators urged lawmakers to defeat the bill, based on broad concerns about access and costs. Eugene White, superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools, said entry criteria at the transfer schools would exclude students with poor grades or behavior, thus depriving them of school choice the bill claims to foster. Simultaneously, he said, transfers could skim better students from struggling urban districts and do nothing for those left behind. "That won't solve our problem," he said. The bill passed committee on a 7-5 vote, with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats against. One Republican, Rep. Phil Hinkle of Indianapolis, said he may vote "no" later on two grounds: It offers little effective choice to low-income families and it allows automatic transfer rights to the owners of vacant properties outside their home school districts. The bill is now eligible for amendment and consideration by the full House. Staff writer Martin DeAgostino: mdeagostino@sbtinfo.com (317) 634-1707